Tag: Universal Orlando Resort

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando returns to Universal Studios Florida to take fear to the max on select nights September 6-November 2, 2019.

During this year’s all-new Halloween Horror Nights, the 80’s return with a vengeance bringing with them some of the biggest frights of the era with 10 totally terrifying haunted houses, five pulse-pounding scare zones, and outrageous live entertainment.

So let’s star this year’s HHN season with a look at everything you will encounter during the event!

Halloween Horror Nights Haunted Houses

Enter ten terrifying haunted houses, inspired by the biggest names in fear. You’re never quite sure if your spine is tingling with dread or sheer excitement.

All-New STRANGER THINGS

Prepare to go even further into the chilling world of the Upside Down as STRANGER THINGS returns to Halloween Horror Nights in an all-new haunted house. Experience the most terrifying moments of STRANGER THINGS 2 & 3 as you face snarling Demodogs and scream through iconic scenes from Hopper’s cabin to the Starcourt Mall.

Us

Jordan Peele’s new original nightmare comes to life as the Wilson family faces the ultimate opponent: themselves. Enter the funhouse on the Santa Cruz Pier where you’ll experience the horror of little Adelaide Wilson when she comes face to face with her menacing mirror image. Freeze in terror and disbelief as the Wilson family—and you—are hunted at every turn by terrifying doubles of themselves known as the Tethered. If you’re seeing double, you’re in trouble.

Universal Monsters

Frankenstein. Dracula. The Wolfman. The world’s most terrifying monsters have come together to tear you apart. Flee through a dark Bavarian forest as the savage Wolfman grows ever closer. Try to escape from the manmade monster within Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory. Face the fanged terrors in Dracula’s castle. And encounter other untold horrors. It’s the more, the scarier.

Ghostbusters

A rift between worlds has opened, releasing apparitions of every shape and size. Step right into the original film where Slimer and other ghoulish spirits, specters and ectoplasm-dripping phantasms materialize where you least expect. Your screams are going to be big. Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man big.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space

If ever there was a reason why people are afraid of clowns, this is it. The Killer Klowns from Outer Space have landed in an all-new haunted house. Don’t let them encase you in one of their cotton candy cocoons or you could end up as a gooey snack. These Killer Klowns won’t make you scream with laughter–just scream.

House of 1000 Corpses

From “Captain Spaulding’s Museum of Monsters & Madmen” to the home of the psychotic Firefly family, Rob Zombie’s epic horror masterpiece comes to life. Scream all you want, you won’t find any mercy at the decrepit Firefly house. After all, what’s one more corpse when there are a thousand others inside.

Depths of Fear

A deep-sea mining company has built an installation deep in the ocean, but the waters are infested with parasitic Mouthbrooders. They soon slither inside the mine and spew acidic eggs upon unwilling human hosts. You’re paralyzed with horror as the infected are driven to violent madness. The pressure is building. Implosion is imminent. The creatures are everywhere. There is no escape from your watery grave.

Graveyard Games

Enter the gates of a cemetery in the dead of night, where disrespectful teens have awakened vengeful spirits. Ghosts rise to torment those who disturbed them. Skeletal beings send fear into your bones. The rictus smiles of ghastly apparitions match the screams frozen on your face. Don’t be caught dead here after dark.

Nightingales: Blood Pit

Ancient Rome has suffered its worst drought in centuries. A ruthless emperor has declared the gladiatorial games will continue nonstop until the rains return. The nightingales, a grisly race of creatures, are drawn to the dead and dying. You enter the fray just as the rain begins to fall, recoiling with fear and disgust as the ravenous nightingales feed. Try to survive alongside gladiators, but with nothing to protect you, you’re history.

Yeti: Terror of the Yukon

In a remote part of Canada that’s all but uninhabitable, loggers and trappers seek refuge from the cold. But there is no escape from beasts as brutal as the winter. Enter a logging camp that’s been torn apart. Cringe at the trail of blood leading to caves no humans have lived to see. You’re in Yeti territory, and they’ll stop you cold.

Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones

Zombieland Double Tap

“Check the Back Seat.” “Beware of Bathrooms.” “Always Double Tap.” Obey every rule if you don’t want to end up a zombie snack. Welcome to the United States of Zombieland. You may know the first movie, but you gotta make it through the sequel, too. Can you survive while everyone around you becomes meat?

Rob Zombie Hellbilly Deluxe

Step into the heavy metal horror of Rob Zombie as many of his most popular songs have come to life. Zombie’s haunting lyrics and pulse-pounding music crank up the intensity as you and your pursuers are driven to an adrenaline-fueled frenzy of ragining madness.

Anarch-cade

A sinister 80s-inspired arcade has taken over the Avenue of the Stars and you only get one life. Blacklights. A gang of neon slashers. Laser lights. It could be a party, except for the chainsaws. Once you scream, it’s game over.

Vanity Ball

Your flesh is the canvas in Hollywood. Rabid fans cheer as their favorite blade-wielding artists slice up willing participants into horrific living works of art. And they can’t wait to take a scalpel to you.

Vikings Undead

Brutal, horn-helmeted warriors have risen from the grave and laid siege to Central Park. Barred from Valhalla, the Viking paradise, these skeletal fighters have channeled their vindictive rage into an endless onslaught of gore. Bloodlust never dies.

Halloween Horror Nights Live Entertainment

Halloween Marathon of Mayhem

A monstrous new show is rising from the depths of Universal Studios’ lagoon with a spectacle of screaming neon and synth. Pounding electro music, giant water screens and piercing lasers combine for a twisted new take on Stranger Things, Ghostbusters, Killer Klowns from Outer Space and Universal Monsters. This all-new show is a largerthan-life mix tape of retro mayhem.

Academy of Villains: Altered States

This wicked talented group of artists is back for an all-new, bigger and better performance featuring a killer mix of dance and theatrics.

Rides & Attractions

Escape to some of Universal Studios’ most exhilarating attractions where heart pounding takes on a different meaning.

Here is a list of attraction open on event nights:

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts*

Revenge of the Mummy

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Fast & Furious: Supercharged*

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D*

The Simpsons Ride**

*Closes prior to event end. **Open select event nights only.

From cinematic screams to the most horrifying cult classics, there’s no escape from the decade that just won’t die.

We are excited to bring you all sorts of Halloween Horror Nights coverage and frights, so for the latest make sure you are following @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

The Universal Orlando Resort has announced plans for an ambitious new theme park that will be called Universal’s Epic Universe that will bring “experiences beyond your wildest imagination to life” according to the park’s official press release.

“Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation. “It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”

Universal’s Epic Universe Announcement: Nine Things to Know

1. Universal’s Epic Universe will be the 4th park to open as part of the Universal Orlando Resort.

2. The park will be built on a 750-acre site just south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard, and this new addition will almost double Universal’s total available acreage in Central Florida.

3. Universal’s Epic Universe will be considered the South Campus of the Universal Orlando Resort with the current parks & CityWalk as North Campus and the Endless Summer Resort on International Drive the Mid-Campus.

Universal Orlando Resort

4. Universal’s Epic Universe will take story telling, environments, and attractions to a new level for the Universal Orlando Resort!

The park’s vision is to create an entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment that will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands – and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination.

5. This is not just a theme park filled with attractions! The new theme park will feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants, and more.

6. Transportation will be important to this new park, and it is approximated a 12 minute trip from the Main Campus of the Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort

7. Universal Orlando currently employees 25,000 people and will hire an additional 14,000 team members as part of Epic Universe, including professional, technical, culinary and other specialized positions at a base salary of $15 per hour.

8. Orange County and the Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create better roadways and a new ‘streamlined’ permitting process that will include a permitting office that will be located inside of the Orange County Convention Center

“The investment Universal is making in our community and the benefit all of us will see is substantial,” said Mayor Jerry Demings. “This will benefit nearly every segment of our economy – from tourism to high-tech.”

Mayor Demings also spotlighted Universal’s role in the Kirkman Road extension. This is a 50/50 public-private partnership in which Universal is investing $160 million to extend Kirkman into the area where the new park will be located.

“The Kirkman extension will improve transportation through a busy and growing portion of our county and open up the entire area for additional development – including an important expansion of our Convention Center,” he said.

Universal Orlando Resort

9. What Universal spokespeople did NOT share was a lot of details about the ‘lands’ that will be in the park and an opening date.

As details become available I will be sharing details about Universal’s Epic Universe, and to make sure you find out first make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We are just days away from the highly-anticipated opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!

And with the excitement to experience this first-ever story coaster that joins Hagrid on a thrilling journey to the Forbidden Forest to discover magical creatures, will come a high demand for this new experience.

Planning to visit Universal’s Islands of Adventure to be a part of theme park history? We are sharing two ways to make your wait more manageable.

If you are planning to visit Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade on opening day, June 13, 2019, keep in mind that Universal’s Islands of Adventure may open earlier than scheduled so queueing can begin for this new experience.

Also, throughout the line you will find dedicated team members stationed to assist and answer any questions you may have during the wait.

But be sure to keep your camera at the ready, because you never know who you might see…

After opening day, beginning June 14, 2019, there may be times when team members ask you to join the Virtual Line on The Official Universal Orlando Resort App to experience Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

This will allow you to enjoy other attractions in the park until it’s your time to join the queue. Here’s how it works:

Step 2: Once you’re in Islands of Adventure, open the app and tap the icon for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. From there, select how many people are in your party, and then select a return time to join the queue. Please note that you have to be in the park in order to secure a return time.

Step 3: Enjoy the other amazing experiences across Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios until your return time arrives.

Step 4: Upon your return time, head to the designated attraction entrance, where you will wait for your ride. The remainder of your wait time will be posted at the entrance when you arrive. All you have to do is scan your Virtual Line pass on your mobile device, and then you’re ready to join the queue.

Universal Orlando Resort

Can’t wait until June 13th?

On Tuesday, June 11th, the Universal Orlando Resort will be hosting a special live stream of the opening celebration for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – the epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

The live stream will give viewers a front row seat to an exciting, magical moment that will celebrate the world’s first “story coaster,” and feature special appearances from beloved Harry Potter film stars.

The live stream will begin at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, on Universal Orlando’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter channels.

Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

We can’t wait to share more information about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure! Make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for even more coverage of the opening!

Celebrate America with three exciting days at the Universal Orlando Resort

July 4-6, 2019, the Universal Orlando Resort is turning America’s Independence Day celebration into three days of fun for the entire family.

Included with park admission to Universal Studios Florida or park-to-park tickets, the festivities feature special entertainment, amazing pyrotechnics, and as well as the chance to experience thrilling rides.

Let’s start in the Music Plaza where award-winning DJ M-Squared will be spinning top hits along with a live performance by the high-energy band, Raydio. Make sure you have your camera ready, because tilt walkers and your favorite Universal characters will be dancing right alongside you.

Here is the full schedule of Music Plaza events for the celebration :

Live Music featuring Raydio: 5 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:15 pm

DJ M-Squared: 5:45 pm, 7:15 pm, 9 pm

Character Dance Party: 6:15 pm – 10 pm

Pyrotechnic Display: 9 pm

Also new this year, guests will be able to get food and beverages delivered straight to the Music Plaza from Universal Studios’ Classic Monster Cafe. Selections include summertime favorites like smoked ribs, brisket sandwiches, mac n’ cheese, peach cobbler, and more.

All week the Universal Orlando Resort has given guests a first-ever look at the magical creatures they’ll encounter inside the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure when it opens on June 13th at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

With that being said let’s take a look at today’s Magical Creatures…Blast-Ended Skrewts

For the first time ever, you’ll be able to come face-to-face (or face-to-rear) with a Blast-Ended Skrewt on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Described as a cross between scorpions and elongated crabs, Skrewts aren’t afraid to attack other Skrewts they encounter and have incredibly strong armor that can’t be penetrated by spells – proving to be a challenge for Hagrid since they hatched.

Universal Orlando Resort

On your journey through the Forbidden Forest during Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll encounter Blast-Ended Skrewts up to 8 feet long with tails up to ten-feet high and topped with a massive stinger.

The Blast-Ended Skrewt is the main lesson for the day but, as with all adventures with Hagrid, things don’t always go to plan…

Blast-Ended Skrewts were first introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and also mentioned in Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

As you may have read in the book, Hagrid created these unique creatures by crossbreeding Fire Crabs and Manticores – fierce creatures in their own right

Skrewts create actual fire from their ‘blasting-ends,’ igniting at random intervals – so be wary during your encounter

Even if you’re far enough to avoid their fire, watch out as you may still catch a whiff of their powerful scent… known to smell like rotting fish

The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an immersive experience unlike any other, combining a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with elaborate environments – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees – to bring an all-new wizarding world adventure to life.

Guests will embark on a journey with Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in theHarry Potter films – into the Forbidden Forest to discover some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

Thanks for joining me this week! I can’t wait for the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures! Do you have a creature that you’re looking forward to seeing the most?

With that being said let’s take a look at today’s Magical Creatures…Centaurs!

A Centaur is a magical creature with a human head, torso and arms, joined to a horse’s body. They are, however, their own species and should be treated with great respect.

Universal Orlando Resort

As you make your way into the dark forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, look out for this mysterious archer in the distance ready to strike. He stands at 8 ft. tall, which would probably make him a great athlete in the Muggle world.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Hagrid is friendly with the Centaur herds as he regularly enters the Forbidden Forest to help injured creatures

According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, these forest-dwelling beings usually live in herds of between 10 and 50 and are well-versed in magical healing, divination, archery and astronomy

Centaurs made their first appearance in the films during Harry Potter’s detention in the Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Universal Orlando Resort

The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an immersive experience unlike any other, combining a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with elaborate environments – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees – to bring an all-new wizarding world adventure to life. Guests will embark on a journey with Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in theHarry Potter films – into the Forbidden Forest to discover some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

next up is the final creature – not seen before in the films. Careful, you may want to approach from the front….

With that being said let’s take a look at today’s (sort of) Magical Creatures…Devil’s Snare!

While Devil’s Snare isn’t a creature, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention this perilous plant from the wizarding world – often strangling people who touch it with its dexterous vines. Devil’s Snare flourishes in damp, dark environments and it has a strong dislike of light and fire – remember that for your journey!

Universal Orlando Resort

Speaking of your journey, Devil’s Snare is one of the many challenges you’ll face on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. You may even find yourself entangled in a thicket of this dangerous plant but remember to remain calm! If you don’t, you may end up entangled in hundreds of its vines…

And fun fact about Devil’s Snare, it made its first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when the brave Hermione told her friends how to defeat this dangerous force.

A fun fact about Devil’s Snare, it made its first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when the brave Hermione told her friends how to defeat this dangerous force.

The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an immersive experience unlike any other, combining a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with elaborate environments – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees – to bring an all-new wizarding world adventure to life. Guests will embark on a journey with Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in theHarry Potter films – into the Forbidden Forest to discover some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens June 13

Starting today through April 19th, the Universal Orlando Resort is giving guests a first-ever look at the magical creatures they’ll encounter inside the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure when it opens on June 13th at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an immersive experience unlike any other, combining a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with elaborate environments – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees – to bring an all-new wizarding world adventure to life. Guests will embark on a journey with Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in theHarry Potter films – into the Forbidden Forest to discover some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

Every day through April 19, guests can visit the Universal Orlando Blog at 11 a.m. EDT to get a first look at the creatures – from familiar fan-favorites in the Harry Potter film series to a creature that’s never been seen in the films – and where they can be found in the new experience.

Fluffy is a giant three-headed dog that’s known for being the trusted guard dog of the Sorcerer’s Stone. And, as many of you know, Fluffy has a weakness – he falls asleep to the sound of music.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Fluffy belongs to Hagrid, who adopted him from a “Greek chappie” he met in a pub

Experts on Pottermore say Fluffy was inspired by Cerberus – the dog that in Greek mythology guarded the gates of the Underworld – and, just like Fluffy, he fell asleep to the sound of music

Fluffy made his first and only appearance in the film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

In Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll confront this gigantic, beloved creature deep in the Forbidden Forest. Proceed with caution – he’s a guard dog first and foremost. And in this new adventure, Fluffy weighs 8,000 Ibs., which is roughly as big as two standard Muggle cars.

The Universal Orlando Blog also shared a hint about tomorrow’s creature reveal….

Our next creature of the week is a swarm of mischief-makers who love their tricks.

GUYS! I can’t tell you how much I love this idea, and I can’t wait to share the information with you all!

When it opens on June 13, 2019, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventurewill join the lineup of award-winning entertainment experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and bring an all-new adventure inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories to life. Guests will join Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class and fly deep into the Forbidden Forest aboard magical motorbikes to brave the mysteries and thrills beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

All-new restaurant to put modern twist on open-fire cooking, adding bold flavors to American classic dishes

ORLANDO, Fla.

This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will debut its next original concept dining experience – Bigfire – an all-new, full-service restaurant that will bring a specially created menu and a highly-themed environment directly to guests at Universal CityWalk – and take open fire cooking to a whole new level.

Bigfire will feature unique theming designed to make guests feel as though they have stepped into a grand lakeside lodge, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of summers spent by the water.

Rendering Universal Orlando Resort

The two-story venue will feature warm modern surroundings, from a cozy fireplace to cast iron and wood design elements mixed with nostalgic camp lanterns and oversized plaid blankets.

As guests step onto the outside patio, they will be greeted with twinkling lights, comfortable seating and lawn games for the entire family to enjoy. And guests will be able to enjoy one of the most popular fireside treats– s’mores – which they will be able to prepare themselves right at their table.

At the heart of the venue will be a custom wood fire grill that will allow guests to see their meal being prepared from anywhere in the restaurant. And for the first time at Universal Orlando, each dish will be expertly paired with the perfect type of wood to bring out the smoky goodness in each bite.

Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast

From Cherrywood to Pecanwood and more, the pairings will add bold flavors to the American classic dishes and unique entrees, including a signature bison burger, coffee, chili and cocoa rubbed top sirloin, delectable freshwater trout, mouth-watering smoked salads and more.

Bigfire Signature Bison Burger

Bigfire will be another example of what happens when the Universal Creative team that designs world-class theme park attractions partners with Universal’s award-winning culinary team to create incredible dining experiences for guests.

When it opens, Bigfire will become the next highly-themed, original concept restaurant at CityWalk, and join other popular experiences such as The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, VIVO Italian Kitchen and more.

The restaurant will be located between VIVO Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on the edge of the lagoon – offering incredible views of Universal CityWalk.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to Feature

Jack LaLanne Branded Fitness Center

Fitness center among the many amenities offered at Universal Orlando’s newest hotel including bowling alley, lazy river, zero-entry pools and more

Guests can enjoy the resort’s brand-new family suites for introductory rates as low as $104 per family, per night

Universal Orlando Resort announced today that the world’s first Jack LaLanne-branded fitness center will be located at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Orlando’s new moderate-and value-priced property, opening March 31, 2014.

The Jack LaLanne Fitness Center will perfectly complement the retro theming of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort while paying homage to LaLanne, a pioneer of personal training and a television celebrity on “The Jack LaLanne Show” – a fitness program that was iconic during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

From LaLanne memorabilia – including photos, trophies, artifacts and even a full-size statue of the fitness guru himself – to televisions playing old episodes of his show, guests will be immersed in the legacy of “the godfather of fitness” while keeping in shape on modern, state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

“When you think of fitness during these iconic decades, Jack LaLanne just resonates in our minds,” said Russ Dagon, Vice President and Executive Project Director, Universal Creative. “This partnership with the LaLanne family will complement the new property wonderfully, and we’re delighted that his name will live on here at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.”

The Jack LaLanne Fitness Center is just one of the many amenities that will be available to Cabana Bay Beach Resort guests. Additional offerings include a 10-lane bowling alley, two zero-entry pools, an iconic dive tower water slide and Universal Orlando’s first lazy river with waterfalls and cannons for interactive fun. The resort will also feature themed eateries, bars and a coffee shop.

“We’re creating a destination within our destination,” said Adnan Bizri, Managing Director, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. “From the beautiful pool areas to the bowling alley to the lazy river, we’re making sure that the fun doesn’t stop when the theme parks close.”

Guests can now book Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort for stays beginning March 31, 2014. The whole family can experience the resort’s new family suites with limited time introductory rates starting at $104 per night for a seven-night stay to $134 per night for a three-night stay. Conditions apply.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth on-site hotel with striking color schemes and nostalgic details throughout the décor. The new, 1800-room hotel features moderately priced family suites available this spring at the special preview price and value-priced guest rooms available June 16, 2014, along with a wealth of recreation. When complete, guests can experience a 10-lane bowling alley and enjoy two massive pools with sand beaches, a lazy river, waterslide and more.
The all-new family suites sleep up to six, surrounding guests with bold design, period colors, neon and a cool retro feel. The suites also feature a kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator and sink. Combining affordability with convenience, the hotel’s location is within walking distance of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Plus, hotel guests enjoy Early Park Admission to TheWizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens.

About Universal Orlando ResortVacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. And coming this summer: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Friday night we had the opportunity to attend another great meet up at Hard Rock Orlando, hosted by Hard Rock Cafe Orlando. On The Go In MCO readers may remember the last one we attended that featured Classic Albums Live singing Queen’s “A Night At The Opera”. Well tonight’s event was Classic Albums Live singing The Beatles “Abbey Road” album.

Once we had signed in downstairs we were taken up to the balcony just off The Lennon Room, which personally is my favorite place here as the view of City Walk is so wonderful up there, especially at night!

Up on the balcony they had a buffet featuring an array of foods to try, chicken, spring rolls, burgers, and my husband’s favorite burger that night was the one with fried mac & cheese!

There was another table to the side packed full of different cheeses, fruit, and sushi, which I think I definitely had my share of cheese that night!

Once we got our food we then headed inside the Lennon Room to the bar, as they had kindly provided 2 drinks vouchers per person to get beer or wine alongside our meal.

The Lennon Room is full of artifacts and memorabilia including the couch that he used to compose some of his songs on!

Piano

Close up

I couldn’t help but notice the huge cupcake display by the tea and coffee facilities inside, and thought it would be rude not to try them really, so I had the chocolate cupcake. It tasted just as good as it looked, and had I not filled up on all the food earlier I might have tried the other one too which looked like some sort of caramel, coffee, popcorn yumminess!

We toured the Lennon Room a little after eating, and then it was time to get the elevator down to the Hard Rock Live to watch Classic Albums Live, singing The Beatles Abbey Road album.

Classic Albums Live

One of the first songs they did was my favorite from that album “Come Together”, and since we were in the standing section, everyone was dancing and cheering them on!

The band

If you haven’t already seen this band perform you can look up their tour dates and see where they will be coming next by visiting http://classicalbumslive.com/

They perform different albums from bands such as The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, and many more.

Once again we had such a wonderful night at Hard Rock Orlando, they host the best meet ups, and if you haven’t had chance already go pay a visit to Hard Rock Cafe, for not only some of the best food in town, but the best service also. Thank you Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, until next time!

This Year’s Mardi Gras Celebration Delivers More Excitement Than Ever Before With an Extended Concert Series Featuring Robin Thicke, Nelly, The Wanted and More

First things first, I absolutely adore Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort!!! It is by far one of my favorite things to attend in Orlando!!!

Last year, Beth and I had a blast at Mardi Gras!

On select nights February 8 through May 31, the Universal Orlando Resort comes alive with a Mardi Gras celebration featuring 20 nights of AMAZING concerts from popular stars and New Orleans bands, great food that takes you to the heart of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a parade full of fun floats and bead throwing, and a party atmosphere that is fun for the whole family! It is also one of my husband and date night!

The best part??? All of these are included in your admission to Universal Studios Florida!!!

There are so many great things to experience at Universal Studios Mardi Gras, but the concerts this year are AMAZING!!!!

This year’s powerhouse musical lineup features a diverse array of talent, from R&B superstar Robin Thicke, whose hit single “Blurred Lines” topped the Billboard chart for a near-record 12 weeks, to UK pop sensation The Wanted, who has sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide, to Latin idol Prince Royce, who reached number one on the U.S. Hot Latin Songs chart with “Corazón Sin Cara.” Also performing is rock band Daughtry, Grammy award-winning Hip Hop artist Nelly, and the classic rock group Foreigner, one of the best-selling bands of all time.

2013 Mardi Gras Concert – Lifehouse

2014 Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Talent Line-Up

Mardi Gras Event Dates

Headliners

(performing in the Music Plaza)

New Orleans Bands

(performing in the French Quarter)

February 8

Daughtry

Remedy Krewe

February 15

Barenaked Ladies

Soul Project

February 16

Thomas Rhett

Soul Project

February 22

Robin Thicke

Rockin Jake

March 1

Collective Soul

Big Al and The Heavyweights

March 8

Prince Royce

Daddy Mac Blues Band

March 14

Cody Simpson

Mississippi Rail Company

March 15

Foreigner

Mississippi Rail Company

March 21

TBD

The Big Easy Playboys

March 22

Gavin DeGraw

The Big Easy Playboys

March 28

TBD

Dirty Bourbon River Show

March 29

TBD

Dirty Bourbon River Show

April 5

Skillet

John Lisi and Delt Funk

April 12

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Beth McKee & The Sliders

April 19

Kool & the Gang

Gravy

May 3

Nelly

Chris O’Leary

May 10

The Wanted

T Bird & The Breaks

May 17

TBD

Grady Champion

May 24

TBD

Cha Wa

May 31

TBD

Naughty Professor

Mardi Gras 2013 Parade

Guests can also catch colorful beads by the handful during this year’s parade, which will feature 12 vibrant floats, including three new additions celebrating Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days.” All of the exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.

In addition to all that, at Universal Studios Mardi Gras you can visit a vibrant French Quarter Courtyard for delicious and authentic Cajun cuisine, street performers, and bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street performing.

We spent a lot of time in the French Quarter area during Mardi Gras for great food and cocktails!

And when you are ready, you can keep the Mardi Gras party going at Universal CityWalk at their great bars and entertainment venues!!!

Florida residents have some pretty amazing special offer that they can take advantage of during Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort!

In addition to amazing deals on theme park Annual Passes, there are great deals on the three on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and a fourth on-site hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening March 31, 2014.

2014 Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Florida Resident Offers

Up to 3 months FREE on any Annual Pass

For a limited time, get up to 3 months free on any Annual Pass:

Power Pass – $174.99 (plus tax)

Preferred Pass – $244.99 (plus tax)

Premier Pass – $369.99 (plus tax)

Offer is also available on FlexPay, Universal Orlando’s monthly payment option

Must be purchased and activated by April 30, 2014 with a Coca-Cola UPC code or promo code on specially-marked cups at participating Wendy’s.

Visit UniversalOrlando.com for full details and to learn about the benefits of each annual pass

Florida Resident Getaway

2-night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel

Florida Resident 2-day base ticket to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens

Upgrade to one of three deluxe on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort and stay in the heart of the party! Plus, receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks (a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day)

Guests can also take advantage of this current special offer:

SAVE & Play Vacation Package

SAVE up to $500* with an On-Site Vacation Package

Deluxe On-site Hotel Accommodations at one of three AAA Four Diamond Award on-site hotels

Theme Park Admission

Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens

Complimentary on-site transportation via water taxi or shuttle bus to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk

About Universal Orlando ResortVacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. With two incredible theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex, Universal Orlando is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending timeas a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagramand YouTube.Follow us for more updates:

With the start of a new year and with so much going on after the holidays, I thought it would be a great time to restart our Week in Review and play a little catch up on this week’s highlights and news from the Orlando and Central Florida Attractions and Venues!

Week in Review – December 30, 2013 to January 3, 2014

Walt Disney World Resort

The Disney Parks Blog announced a new contest where you can win a 5-day/4-night vacation for four to either the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.

We’ve just launched disney.com/resolutions where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January.

On disney.com/resolutions, we are also awarding a vacation-a-day from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to individuals, who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 12/31/13 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 1/31/14. Click here for Official Rules.

runDisney

With Walt Disney World Marathon weekend right around the corner, runDisney was everywhere when they released details about the Limited Edition runDisney 2014 New Balance shoes!

I don’t know about you, but I am so excited for everything that is coming to the Universal Orlando Resort!!!

SeaWorld Orlando

January is Passholder appreciation month at SeaWorld Orlando, and they are offering some great deals!

Bring a friend for FREE! SeaWorld® Orlando Pass Members receive a friend for free ticket*. Online registration is required. Valid for one single-day admission by January 31, 2014. Register Now.

Double Your Discount**

Save 20% on dining in all of our cafeteria-style restaurants

Save 20% on merchandise in our gift shops

*Pass Member must be present for guest to gain admittance. Free ticket offer valid for active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year and FL Platinum Pass Members. Not valid for Fun Cards, Teacher’s Study Passes or Friends & Family Passes. Free ticket is non-transferable, not for resale and may be revoked for misuse.

**Offer only valid between Jan. 1-31, 2014. Must present active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year, or FL Platinum Pass to receive savings. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. Not valid on All-Day Dining offers. Merchandise offer valid for in-park purchases only.

Amway Center

The Circus is coming to town!

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus LEGENDS is coming to the Amway Center January 9-12, but Monday the circus train rolls into Orlando. Fantastic photo opportunities will be available as the Ringling Bros. pachyderm performers parade to the Amway Center.

The Ringling Bros.animal performers will unload at 8:00 p.m. and walk beginning at 8:30 p.m. Animals will unload at railroad tracks near 1035 W. Amelia, then travel east on Amelia, south on North Hughey Ave., then west on West South St. and enter the GEICO Garage behind Amway Center. (Note: route and time are subject to change without notice.)

Tickets are still available and start at $16. Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees not included. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available atwww.ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone:407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.

LEGOLAND Florida

If your house is anything like mine, you have watched the trailer for ‘The LEGO Movie’ four times daily and I was excited to see that they are going to be having a weekend of activities in February!

httpv://youtu.be/fZ_JOBCLF-I

February 8 & 9, 2014 Enjoy fun for all with activities to celebrate “The LEGO Movie”, the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO adventure featuring an all-star cast and set to open in theaters February 7. Guests will enjoy a special movie-themed building activity, movie-themed scavenger hunt in Miniland USA and meet and greet sessions with costume characters Emmet and Wyldstyle, who play leading roles in this epic movie.

Busch Gardens Tampa

January is also Passholder appreciation month at Busch Gardens Tampa!

Double the Fun – Bring a Friend for FREE

During January, Pass Members can bring a friend for free! Online registration required. Limit one free ticket per active Pass Member. Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply. Log in now to register your friend’s ticket and learn more about this limited time offer.

Triple the Savings – 30% off merchandise, food, and beverages

All month long, Pass Members get 30% off merchandise, food and beverages when you visit the park! Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply.

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

A Falcon 9 rocket is targeted to lift-off during a dramatic SpaceX launch scheduled for January 3, launch time is subject to change but the launch window of 5:05 p.m. to 7:17 p.m. EST. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests may view the launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the closest possible public viewing area, or special areas at the Visitor Complex.

Launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, located in Kennedy Space Center, includes live mission control commentary and is available for Visitor Complex guests for $20 plus the cost of admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Bus boarding for the Apollo/Saturn V Center begins at 3:15 p.m.

Launch viewing, featuring live mission control commentary, also is available from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is included in regular admission.